Manchester-based Francis Kirk Group is charging up its Indian operations to break through £7million barrier on the eve of its 150th anniversary, reports IndiaGB news

The Denton firm bought out Indian self-locking nut brand Phildas along with its Pune-based manufacturing operation three years ago.

Following 36-months of continuous investment Philidas is now expected to break the £5million turnover this year – an increase on last year’s £3million figure. The brand was worth just £1.5million in 2013.

Francis Kirk Group Managing Director Thomas Kirk said Phildas has a key part to play in the company’s wider aspirations to take overall company turnover from £4.75million to £7million by the end of 2017.

“Our 36-month investment in manufacturing, improving standards and range options on Philidas has put us in a strong position in many world markets and we look forward to another good year of growth,” he said. “The Philidas range is manufactured in Pune, India, from where Francis Kirk Group produce and distribute to customers worldwide.

“In the last three years Philidas has been streamlined and rebuilt and as a result, new markets have been opened up in India, Iran, South Korea, Japan, and USA as well as increasing European distribution channels. We are currently looking to formalise trading relationships in Germany, Italy, France, South Africa and Australia.”

Francis Kirk & Son Ltd have been experts in the engineering and fastening sectors since 1868. It is a proud, fifth generation family company whose 149 years of success has been built upon service, value and integrity.

Working in partnership with The Alipour Company in Tehran, Francis Kirk Group is building on Philidas’ success by offering a single source fastening and cutting tools solution to manufacturers throughout the region.

“Philidas is a major success story and spearheads our commitment to providing high quality fastening solutions for a range of industries. We were recently appointed as the sole European supplier of Durlok anti-vibration bolts. We also stock product from other premium brands such as Draper, Dormer, Gedore, Makita and Stanley.”